PBKS vs RCB IPL 2025: Why Liam Livingstone Is Not Playing Today For Bengaluru?- EXPLAINED

PBKS vs RCB: Punjab Kings (PBKS) are currently in action with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the newly inaugurated Chandigarh Stadium in Mullanpar. This contest serves as the return leg of their earlier clash, where PBKS cruised to a convincing win over RCB.

A notable pre-match talking point was the absence of England's power-packed all-rounder Liam Livingstone from RCB's starting lineup.

Livingstone, renowned for his explosive batting and useful spin, hasn't quite hit his stride this season, which may have influenced the team management's decision to bench him. So far in IPL 2025, the all-rounder scored just 87 runs off the bat with an average of 17.40 and with a highest score of 54.

With the ball, he has taken just two wickets so far.

Taking his place in the XI is West Indian all-rounder Romario Shepherd. With his ability to strike big in the death overs and deliver pace with the ball, Shepherd adds depth to RCB's lower order and strengthens their bowling arsenal - something Royal Challengers Bengaluru clearly wants to reinforce following recent setbacks.

Having already suffered a defeat to the Punjab Kings the last match at Chinnaswamy stadium, RCB will be eager to script a turnaround. Expect them to approach this fixture with renewed energy, sharper tactics, and a strong desire to get back to winning ways.

PBKS vs RCB Playing XIs

Punjab Kings (Playing XI): Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer(c), Josh Inglis(w), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI): Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal.